Updated June 6th, 2021
May MetroParks take-home program kits now available
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May take-home program kits
MetroParks wants to keep you and your family safely engaged with fun, educational programs that help you connect with nature. Developed by MetroParks’ education and recreation staff, take-home program kits allow families to experience nature on their own time while learning new things and developing new skills.
Kits include self-guided activities with nature, outdoor recreation, gardening and historical farming themes. A variety of kits will be offered monthly to provide new and seasonal options.
For your safety, kits are assembled using the CDC’s best practices, such as being packaged and left to sit at least four days before you pick them up. Contactless pickup will be offered once a month. This month’s pickup date is Friday, May 21, at Wegerzyn Garden MetroPark from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Pickup A) and Cox Arboretum MetroPark from 4 to 6 p.m. (Pickup B).
Financial Assistance Available: Program Kits fees are eligible for discounts through Access to Nature Financial Assistance, funded by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. This program pays for up to 75% of program costs based on financial need. Learn more and apply.
Due to limited quantities, pre-registration is required. Reserve your kit by following the links below:
Due to limited quantities, pre-registration is required. Reserve your kit by following the links below:
- Pick up A: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Friday, May 21 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Pick Up B: Cox Arboretum MetroPark on Friday, May 21, between 4 and 6 p.m.
Magic Mud Pie Kit ($5, all ages)
It’s oooey! It’s gooey! It’s full of dirt! It’s mud and it’s good for you! Discover the benefits of mud and purposeful play with this fun and innovative Magic Mud Pie kit. This kit comes with a water resistant mud pie recipe book full of interesting mud trivia, easy to follow recipes, two small pie pans and a spoon. All you will need is a little imagination and a whole lot of mud! Enjoy family time as you play, pretend and learn about why getting dirty is not only fun, but good for you. We will be using a free app called Flipgrid for sharing what you’ve made. There will also be more information and ideas for having fun with nature and mud. Get outside and get messy!
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
Growing Garden Art ($7, ages 3-13)
The garden is not just a wonderful place to grow flowers and vegetables, it’s a great place to grow creativity. We’ll show fun ways to design and decorate all sorts of useful – and colorful – creations for your garden, porch or backyard. Each kit contains supplies to make two (2) of each featured project. Families with more than two children will need to register for additional kits.
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
9-Patch Quilt Block Kit ($5, all ages)
A sewing project for a 19th century child is the 9-Patch quilt block. In this kit are the materials needed to sew a simple quilt block: 9 pre-cut fabric squares, 1 needle, a bobbin of thread, and instructions. Fabrics in the kits are always changing.
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
Mini Weaving Kit ($10, all ages)
Using a local fiber grower for the yarn, a plain pattern can be woven on a mini loom and can be used as a hanging or necklace. Included in the kit is yarn, mini loom, yarn needle and instructions.
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
Survival Bracelet Kits ($7, ages 5 & up)
A survival bracelet is not just for the outdoor experts of the world. In fact, these bracelets are a fun and practical tool for kids and caregivers to create together. This kit includes materials and instructions to make one survival bracelet. With whistle and compass accessories these bracelets serve as a safety tool for any outdoor adventure and also double as a wearable everyday statement piece.
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
Fishing Line Recycling Kits ($5, ages 0-13)
Learn how you can help keep wildlife safe and the environment healthy while making old fishing line – which cannot be conventionally recycled – into new and useful fishing items. This kit includes everything you need to make your own recycled bracelet. Show how you love wildlife with coloring “journal” pages and other fun surprises inside your kit.
Reserve this Kit (Pickup A)
Reserve this Kit (Pickup B)
Program Kits are generously supported by a grant from the Fiver Rivers MetroParks Foundation. For more information on the foundation visit www.metroparks.org/foundation.
Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
